Wearable group communication device linking

ABSTRACT

Systems, methods, software and apparatus enable linking of a wearable end user communication device (EUD) to an intermediate communication device (ICD) utilizing optical symbol sequence matching. Optical symbol reference data corresponding to an optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD is obtained from the EUD by the ICD. Optical symbol input data is also acquired by the ICD (e.g., via user inputs, EUD device proximity data, image acquisition). The devices are linked if the optical symbol reference data and optical symbol input data match. The optical symbol reference data can be displayed, allowing user confirmation of a match with the optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD. An ICD user interface touchscreen can present users with selectable color inputs to replicate the optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD, for example using an LED array. Communications between the devices before and after linking can utilize Bluetooth low energy.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims the benefit of and priority to thefollowing, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety(including any appendices thereto): U.S. Provisional Patent Application62/310,113, entitled “IMAGE-BASED LINKING FOR WEARABLE GROUPCOMMUNICATION DEVICE,” filed 18 Mar. 2016 (Attorney Docket No.415.0026P); U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/310,106, entitled“PROXIMITY-BASED LINKING FOR WEARABLE GROUP COMMUNICATION DEVICE,” filed18 Mar. 2016 (Attorney Docket No. 415.0023P); and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 62/310,100, entitled “LINKING FOR WEARABLE GROUPCOMMUNICATION DEVICE,” filed 18 Mar. 2016 (Attorney Docket No.415.0022P).

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the disclosure are related to communications and, inparticular, to end user devices and applications for efficientcommunications.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Various devices permit linking one communication device to another topermit communications between the devices. In some communicationsystems, an endpoint device in a communication system can be an end userdevice that allows a user to communicate with other endpoint devices viaone or more intermediate communication devices and a communicationnetwork or the like. For example, a wearable end user device can belinked to an intermediate communication device (e.g., a cellphone,smartphone, gaming device, tablet, laptop or other computer) that inturn is connected to a communication network that permits a user of theend user device to communicate verbally or otherwise with other devicesconnected to the network. When both the end user device and itsassociated intermediate communication device are portable devices,external markings on the devices (e.g., serial numbers, media accesscontrol (MAC) addresses, etc.) may be printed in small type or bedifficult to locate. Moreover, linking an end user device with anintermediate communication device in a crowded area (i.e., an area withmany linking and/or linkable communication devices) may be difficultbecause a list of available device identifiers presented to a user on anintermediate communication device might include numerous potentialconnections and thus be difficult to manage.

As a result, it would be advantageous to facilitate linking an end userdevice to another communication device in a manner that is simple andreliable for users and that assists the user in connecting to thecorrect end user device.

OVERVIEW

Implementations of linking a wearable group communication device toanother communication device utilize optical symbol sequencecommunication linking that can use lights, light-emitting diodes (LEDs),and/or other optical symbol sequence-generating and/or displayingdevices that provide users with visually perceptible symbols on both anend user device and the display system of an associated intermediatecommunication device. A communication application on the intermediatecommunication device can be configured to collect optical symbolreference data (representing an optical symbol sequence) derived fromidentifying data transmitted from an associated end user device (e.g.,an end user device to which a user wishes to link the intermediatecommunication device). In some implementations the end user devicedisplays the optical symbol sequence so that a user can match thedisplayed sequence by entering the same optical symbol sequence using auser interface on the intermediate communication device (e.g., asoptical symbol input data). The communication application can comparethe optical symbol reference data and the optical symbol input data and,if they match, can then enable and initiate a communication connectionbetween the end user device and the intermediate communication device.In some implementations, the end user and intermediate communicationdevices can utilize Bluetooth low energy (one or more versions of whichmay be referred to as “Bluetooth LE,” “BLE,” and/or “Bluetooth Smart”)to exchange information during pre-connection data exchange betweendevices in at least a portion of the linking process.

In other implementations the intermediate communication device has adisplay system that pre-populates a user interface graphical depictionof an optical symbol sequence corresponding to the identifying data(i.e., optical symbol reference data) from the nearest end user device.The user can confirm that the pre-populated optical symbol sequence onthe intermediate communication device display system matches the opticalsymbol sequence displayed on the end user device to enable theintermediate communication device to initiate a communication connectionwith the end user device. In still other implementations theintermediate communication device includes an optical data acquisitiondevice that can generate optical symbol sequence image data capturedfrom the end user device's displayed optical symbol sequence. Opticalsymbol input data can be derived from this image data and compared tothe optical symbol reference data received from the end user device todetermine the correct end user device.

This Overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the TechnicalDisclosure. It may be understood that this Overview is not intended toidentify or emphasize key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. While several implementations are describedin connection with these drawings, the disclosure is not limited to theimplementations disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is tocover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

FIG. 1 illustrates one or more exemplary systems configured tofacilitate secure communications using optical symbol sequencecommunication linking of devices.

FIG. 2A is a top view of one or more end user devices configured to bepart of optical symbol sequence communication linking of devices.

FIG. 2B is a side view of one or more end user devices configured to bepart of optical symbol sequence communication linking of devices.

FIG. 3 illustrates one or more methods of operating a communicationsystem.

FIG. 4 illustrates one or more implementations of an end user device andan intermediate communication device apparatus and one or more methodsof operating a communication system.

FIG. 5 illustrates one or more methods of operating a communicationsystem.

FIG. 6 illustrates one or more methods of operating a communicationsystem.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computing architecture to provide optical symbolsequence communication linking of devices including a wearable groupcommunication end user device.

FIG. 8A illustrates an operational example in an implementation.

FIG. 8B illustrates an operational example in an implementation.

TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE

The following description and associated figures teach the best mode ofthe invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, someconventional aspects of the best mode may be simplified or omitted. Thefollowing claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that someaspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the inventionas specified by the claims. Thus, those skilled in the art willappreciate variations from the best mode that fall within the scope ofthe invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thefeatures described below can be combined in various ways to formmultiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is notlimited to the specific examples described below, but only by the claimsand their equivalents.

Some services offered over local communication links (e.g., Bluetooth,Bluetooth low energy) may expose private information or data, or mayallow a connecting party to control one of the devices involved in suchcommunications (e.g., a Bluetooth device). Security and other reasonsthus make it advisable to identify and verify specific devices prior toconnecting to such devices and/or exchanging sensitive and/or other datawith such devices. It also is helpful for communication devices to beable to establish a connection without undue user inconvenience anddifficulty, especially when a user is on the go or in an activecommunication and/or linking setting. Bluetooth low energy communicationconnections can be established using a BLE device's advertising functionfor device discovery, and subsequent communications between a searchingdevice and a discovered device can establish a BLE connection betweenthe correct pair of devices. Generally, devices implementinglimited-range Bluetooth low energy connect by utilizing a discovery andconnection process in which one or more Generic Access Profile (GAP)peripheral devices advertise their availability to a GAP central device.The GAP central device can then request a connection with a specific GAPperipheral, after which the GAP central device becomes the BLE GenericAttribute Profile (GATT) client and the GAP peripheral device becomesthe BLE GATT server. The connected devices may then exchange messagesand other data utilizing the BLE attribute protocol.

Some implementations of optical symbol sequence (OSS) communicationlinking are used in a communication system that allows wearable groupcommunication end user devices (e.g., two-way audio communicationdevices that include a speaker and a microphone) to communicate with oneanother via their respective intermediate communication devices and acommunication network. In such systems that utilize BLE or similarlimited-range communication to connect each end user device to anassociated (e.g., Bluetooth paired) intermediate communication device,an end user device can be characterized as a GAP peripheral device thatadvertises its availability to establish a connection with itsassociated intermediate communication device (which can be characterizedas a GAP central device). In some communication linking schemes, theintermediate communication device may be the component that advertisesits availability to connect to an end user device.

Implementations of OSS communication linking disclosed and claimedherein provide apparatus and methods for facilitating linking an enduser device with a communication device using optical symbol data toverify the end user device's identity prior to connection between thedevices. Implementations allow users to make quick, simple connectionswithout the need for long strings of data or other verificationinformation that may be difficult and/or inconvenient to provide.Instead of compelling a user to verify or confirm a connection usingserial numbers, alphanumeric strings, etc., or having to select frommultiple device identifiers, some implementations of OSS communicationlinking use optical symbols as a proxy for more complex deviceidentifiers.

Optical symbols include any optically perceptible symbols and may, insome implementations, include symbols whose color, brightness or otherstate is normally perceptible by a human user operating an end userdevice or the like. Optical symbol reference data received by anintermediate communication device is confirmed prior to commencing acommunication connection between the devices. Confirmation of theoptical symbol reference data can be achieved in variousimplementations. Optical symbol reference data can be derived fromidentifying data contained in availability information that is broadcastor otherwise transmitted by an end user device and received by anintermediate communication device. That is, an end user device canbroadcast availability information regarding its availability forlinking with other devices. Identifying data can be included as part ofthat availability information; the identifying data can be used toderive the optical symbol reference data. The intermediate communicationdevice also obtains optical symbol input data (e.g., receiving inputsvia a user interface, or obtained from image data acquired by theintermediate communication device) that can be compared to the opticalsymbol reference data. In some implementations a user can confirm orreject the optical symbol reference data rather than separatelyinputting distinct optical symbol input data.

FIG. 1 illustrates one or more implementations of a communication system100 configured to facilitate, among other things, optical symbolsequence (OSS) communication linking of an end user device to anintermediate communication device, for example in a system that enablessecure audio communications between endpoint devices (e.g., end userdevices) on a communications network. System 100 includes exemplarycommunication node 104 (which includes endpoint end user device 110 andcommunication device 130 (e.g., an intermediate communication devicethat also may be referred to as a computing system)), exemplarycommunication node 106 (which includes endpoint end user device 160 andcommunication device 150 (e.g., another intermediate communicationdevice that also may be referred to as a computing system)), andcommunication network 140 linking nodes 104, 106. As will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art, additional nodes, endpoint devices, enduser devices and intermediate communication devices can beinterconnected via communication network 140.

In implementations where communication devices 130, 150 are intermediatecommunication devices, intermediate communication device 130 (alsoreferred to as an “ICD”) can be a computing system (e.g., a cellphone,smartphone, gaming device, tablet, laptop or other computer) incommunication node 104 that communicates with its associated end userdevice 110 over a limited-range communication link 142 (e.g., Bluetoothlow energy), and further communicates outside node 104 usingcommunication network 140 over one or more communication network links144. ICD 150 also can be a computing system (e.g., a cellphone,smartphone, gaming device, tablet, laptop or other computer) incommunication node 106 that also communicates with its associated enduser device 160 using a limited-range communication link 142, andfurther communicates outside node 106 using communication network 140over communication network link 144.

Limited-range links 142 can be used, as described in more detail herein,to perform linking of an end user device with its associatedintermediate communication device using OSS communication linking. Thecommunication link 144 that connects intermediate communication device130 to communication network 140 can use one or more of Time DivisionMultiplexing (TDM), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), IP, Ethernet,synchronous optical networking (SONET), hybrid fiber-coax (HFC),circuit-switched, communication signaling, wireless communications, orsome other communication format, including improvements thereof. Link144 connecting intermediate communication device 150 to network 140 canoperate similarly. Communication links 144 each use metal, glass,optical, air, space, or some other material as the transport media andmay each be a direct link, or can include intermediate networks, systems(including one or more management service systems), or devices, and caninclude a logical network link transported over multiple physical links.

Each ICD 130, 150 may comprise a computing system capable of running acommunication application and communicating with network 140 using theInternet or some other widespread communication network. Each of ICDs130, 150 can include at least one user interface that allows a user toenter data and interact with communication application 135, 155,respectively. When transmitting and receiving data, communicationdevices 130, 150 and the like can use an appropriate data transferscheme.

Communications network 140 can comprise a server system utilizing one ormore computing devices capable of providing communication services to aplurality of communication nodes and their respective endpoint devices,such as end user devices 110, 160. End user devices 110, 160 (alsoreferred to as “EUDs”) may each comprise a speaker, microphone,processing system, communication interface, and a user interface toexchange communications with ICDs 130, 150, respectively, and thus withcommunications network 140 and other endpoint devices of various types.In implementations of OSS communication linking, at least one EUD has anat least one OSS display capability (e.g., one or more lights and/orLEDs; a color sequence on a sticker, label or decal applied to the enduser device; other display capabilities may also be implemented).

The endpoint devices of network 140 include EUDs 110, 160, each of whichcan be a highly portable (e.g., wearable) communication device. Onenon-limiting example of EUD device 110 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.Device 110 has a top cover 111 that can be generally circular in shape,as shown in FIG. 2A, or can be any other shape. In the non-limitingexample of FIGS. 2A and 2B, end user device 110 uses the generallycircular shape to facilitate certain operations and to permit thepositioning of certain functions and components, which also can beperformed and implemented in alternative ways in other configurations.Referring to FIG. 2B, device 110 includes a generally cylindrical base107 and a generally convex cover 111 (e.g., having a quasi-conical shapeor a cup-like shape).

Base 107 has an attachment mechanism 109 (e.g., a clip or clasp) mountedthereon to permit attachment of device 110 to clothing, a backpack oranother personal item that facilitates audio communications (e.g., aconversation with another user) by a user while wearing device 110.Various functional components of EUD 110 can be situated around theperiphery of base 107, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. A master power switch112 can turn device 110 on and off (as distinguished from turning on andoff BLE advertising, as discussed herein). A speaker 114 is built in tobase 107, as is a microphone 116, each of a type and size that againfacilitates and enables conversation by a user wearing device 110 insome implementations. A volume control 118 permits adjustment of thesound level generated by speaker 114 (e.g., lowering sound level bydepressing the “−” end of control 118 and increasing sound level bydepressing the “+” end). Other components and/or features (e.g., a microand/or other Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, headphone jack, mutebutton or switch) can also be positioned around the periphery of orelsewhere on device 110.

Cover 111 can be made of plastic or any other suitable material andincludes an OSS display 122 which in FIGS. 2A and 2B is a non-limitingexemplary LED array that includes individually addressable multi-colorLEDs 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e. In other implementations, theoptical symbol sequence displayed on end user device 110 can be a colorsequence on a sticker, label or decal applied to the end user device110. LED array 122 operates as described in various implementations ofOSS communication linking discussed herein. Cover 111 is attached tobase 107 in a manner that permits limited rotation of cover 111 relativeto base 107, as referenced by arrow 124 in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In operation in some implementations, including one or more illustratedin FIG. 1 and using an end user device as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and2B, the master device power 112 is turned on. When a user wishes to useEUD 110 for communicating via an ICD 130, cover 111 is rotated clockwiserelative to base 107 to initiate broadcast of availability informationto inform certain other devices in the vicinity of end user device 110of its availability for communications and to provide relevantidentifying data and/or other information that can assist in enablingsuch communications (counterclockwise rotation of cover 111 can turn offavailability broadcasting). In some implementations of OSS communicationlinking, rotation of cover 111 turns on BLE advertising in EUD 110,which then broadcasts its availability information in a manner that canbe detected and received by other devices, including ICD 130. In suchBLE-based implementations, when ICD 130 scans for BLE devices to whichit might connect, it can receive advertising packets broadcast by EUD110. In broadcasting availability information using BLE, at least partof the payload data in the advertising packets includes identifying datasuch as a serial number, MAC address, and/or other alphanumericcharacters, text, or the like that functions as an identifier of EUD110. When activated to broadcast BLE advertising packets or the like,EUD 110 also can illuminate an optical symbol sequence (e.g., usingarray 122 to provide a sequence of colors). This optical symbol sequencecan be displayed when BLE advertising is activated or in response to aprompting transmission from ICD 130.

The identifying data contained and/or included in the availabilityinformation transmitted by EUD 110 and received by ICD 130 can beconverted by communication application 135 into optical symbol referencedata (e.g., a byte array, binary string or other data structure) thatrepresents a reference optical symbol sequence. Optical symbol referencedata can be derived from the identifying data by applying an appropriatealgorithm or data conversion process, or in any other way that yields asuitable data value, structure, size, etc. for use as optical symbolreference data.

The light sequence that can be displayed on array 122 of device 110 mayinclude multi-color lights or LEDs. In a non-limiting example, each LED122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e can emit one of three colors (e.g.,white, red or blue). In some implementations a light or LED being “off”also can constitute a color usable in an optical symbol sequence, as cana light or LED blinking (including blinking at different speeds, each ofwhich can likewise constitute a color usable in an optical symbolsequence).

Communication application 135 can display a graphical user interface(GUI) on ICD 130 (e.g., using a touchscreen or other display system ondevice 130). Such a GUI can permit data entry or confirmation ofverification data by a user (e.g., by “typing in” or “tapping in” acolor sequence that matches the optical symbol sequence being displayedas a graphical depiction corresponding to optical symbol reference dataon EUD 110) or by confirming a pre-populated optical symbol sequencebeing displayed on the user interface. User-entered verification dataand OSS data on ICD 130 can be processed (e.g., converted into opticalsymbol input data), so that the optical symbol input data has a datastructure that allows it to be compared to optical symbol reference datato determine whether or not they match (and thus whether the opticalsymbol sequence on EUD 110 matches the optical symbol sequence on thedisplay system of ICD 130). If the user-input optical symbol input dataand optical symbol reference data match, then ICD 130 can send a BLEconnection request or other invitation to connect to EUD 110, which itcan answer with a response, thus connecting EUD 110 and ICD 130.

Referring to FIG. 3, a method 300 of linking an end user device and anintermediate communication device using OSS communication linking in acommunication system is shown. Method 300 is described with reference toexemplary elements, apparatus, systems and other information from FIGS.1, 2A, 2B and 4. The description below references operations of FIG. 3parenthetically.

As described in connection with FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 4, an ICD 130 maycomprise a computing system (e.g., a cellphone, smartphone, gamingdevice, tablet, laptop or other computer) configured to communicate overa communication network 140 and to communicate with an associated EUD110. Rather than using detailed or complex end user device identifyinginformation (such as a serial number, MAC address, and/or otheralphanumeric characters, text, or the like that functions as anidentifier), some implementations of OSS communication linking utilizeone or more optical symbol sequences in conjunction with an application135 on an associated intermediate communication device 130 to enable thedesired verification and connection(s).

To accomplish OSS communication linking between an end user device andan intermediate communication device, an optical symbol sequence acts asa proxy for more detailed end user device identifying information. Tobegin process 300 illustrated in FIG. 3, an EUD 110 initiates broadcastof its availability for connection (310). This can be done bybroadcasting BLE advertising packets or the like (e.g., that containidentifying data from which optical symbol reference data can bederived), which are then received (315) by ICD 130 (e.g., if it is inBLE scanning mode). In some implementations communication application135 derives optical symbol reference data from received identifyingdata, for example by processing (e.g., by applying an algorithm or otherprocessing technique) digital, numeric or alphanumeric identifying datato generate the optical symbol reference data, which represents a colorsequence. The EUD 110 displays (320) an optical symbol sequence (e.g.,an LED-illuminated color sequence) that is similarly based on that enduser device's identifying data. Display of the optical symbol sequencecan be initiated once BLE advertising commences or can be in response toa prompt (317) sent by ICD 130 after it has received availabilityinformation that includes end user device identifying data.

ICD 130 also receives optical symbol input data (325), which can be aplurality of optical symbol selections received at a user interface(e.g., sequenced color selections entered by a user on a display systemdevice such as a touchscreen). Optical symbol selections may also bereceived via image capturing or the like. The user interface can beimplemented as a GUI in connection with communication application 135 sothat a user is able to select colors (or other optical symbols) andtheir sequence and enter the selections, for example via a touchscreen,keypad, voice command and/or otherwise. One non-limiting example of sucha user interface is shown in FIG. 4, where an EUD 110 has an array ofLEDs 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e with counterpart optical symbolinput points 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, 132 d, 132 e on the GUI 133 of adisplay system 131 of ICD 130. Each optical symbol input point 132 a-ecan comprise a selectable color image (e.g., a dot or circle). GUI 133can be generated by communication application 135 as part of a devicesetup for EUD 110 and ICD 130. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 4,the optical symbol sequence of BLUE, WHITE, BLUE, RED, RED illuminatedrespectively on LEDs 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e of device 110 isreproduced after a user inputs the same color sequence on GUI 133.

If the optical symbol input data from the user interface of ICD 130matches (330) the optical symbol reference data obtained by ICD 130 fromthe identifying data of EUD 110, then a connection between the devicesis enabled (335). If there is no match then a user optionally may havethe opportunity to re-enter or otherwise update the optical symbol inputdata (340).

Referring to FIG. 5, another method 500 of linking an end user deviceand an intermediate communication device using OSS communication linkingin a communication system is shown. Method 500 is described withreference to exemplary elements, apparatus, systems and otherinformation from FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 4. The description below referencesoperations of FIG. 5 parenthetically.

As described in connection with FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 4, an ICD 130 maycomprise a computing system (e.g., a cellphone, smartphone, gamingdevice, tablet, laptop or other computer) configured to communicate overa communication network 140 and to communicate with an associated EUD110. As with method 300 described above, rather than using detailedidentifying information from an end user device (e.g., a serial number,MAC address, and/or other alphanumeric characters, text, or the like),some implementations of OSS communication linking utilize one or moreoptical symbol sequences in conjunction with a communication application135 on an ICD 130 to enable verification of a peripheral end user deviceand connection(s) between the correct devices. To accomplish OSScommunication linking between an end user device and an intermediatecommunication device, an optical symbol sequence again can act as aproxy for detailed end user device identifying information.

To begin process 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, an EUD 110 initiatesbroadcast of the end user device's availability for connection (510),which includes end user device data. This can be done by broadcastingBLE advertising packets or the like that contain end user device datacomprising: end user device signal strength data (e.g., RSSI or Tx Powerdata); and end user device identifying data (e.g., a device serialnumber, binary string, MAC address, and/or other alphanumericcharacters, text, or the like that functions as an identifier or thelike from which optical symbol reference data can be derived).Availability information broadcast by a set of end user devices in thesame general vicinity (i.e., one or more EUDs that are broadcasting enduser device data) can be received (515) by ICD 130 (e.g., if it is inBLE scanning mode).

Availability information broadcast by BLE advertisers frequentlyincludes end user device signal strength data (e.g., a received signalstrength indication (RSSI) or other signal strength data), which in BLEcan include transmit power data (“Tx Power”) or some other dataconcerning signal strength that is part of the advertising packetsbroadcast by a BLE device. In processing availability informationreceived by ICD 130, communication application 135 does not have todetermine or estimate how far away any particular device(s) might be.Instead, application 135 can select the nearest BLE device (by rankingdevices based on received signal strength data), process whateveridentifying data is provided in that nearest device's advertisingpackets, and pre-populate the color optical symbol input points ofcommunication application 135 accordingly (525). Each optical symbolinput point can comprise a selectable color image (e.g., a dot orcircle). EUD 110 displays (520) an optical symbol sequence (e.g., anLED-illuminated color sequence), which can be displayed once advertisingcommences or in response to a prompt (517) sent by ICD 130 after it hasreceived optical symbol reference data. In some implementations imagecapturing can be used to collect image data from which the opticalsymbol input data can be obtained and which a user can then merelyconfirm via a user interface or the like.

In this implementation ICD 130 processes the optical symbol referencedata and pre-populates (525) the color code input points 132 a, 132 b,132 c, 132 d, 132 e on the GUI 133 as a graphical depiction of asequence corresponding to the nearest BLE device's optical symbolreference data, as seen in FIG. 4. With the user interface fieldspre-populated, the user need only confirm (530) the correct opticalsymbol sequence (e.g., by tapping “CONNECT”) and establish a connection(535) or, if the pre-populated color sequence is incorrect, the userrejects the initial optical symbol reference data and optionally caneither update the user interface inputs (540) to display the correctoptical symbol sequence (e.g., by visually checking the display 122 onEUD 110) or can request (540) the identifying data for the secondnearest (i.e., next-closest) BLE device, based on RSSI strength (e.g.,by tapping “NEXT”).

Referring to FIG. 6, another method 600 of linking an end user deviceand an intermediate communication device using OSS communication linkingin a communication system is shown in which image capture and/or imagerecognition is used. Method 600 is described with reference to exemplaryelements, apparatus, systems and other information from FIGS. 1, 2A, 2Band 4. The description below references operations of FIG. 6parenthetically.

As previously described in connection with FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 4, an ICD130 may comprise a computing system (e.g., a cellphone, smartphone,gaming device, tablet, laptop or other computer) configured tocommunicate over a communication network 140 and to communicate with anassociated EUD 110. As with methods 300 and 500 described above, ratherthan using detailed identifying information from an end user device(e.g., a serial number, MAC address, and/or other alphanumericcharacters, text, or the like), some implementations of OSScommunication linking use one or more optical symbol sequences inconjunction with a communication application 135 on ICD 130 to enableverification of a peripheral end user device and connection(s) betweenthe correct devices. To accomplish OSS communication linking between anend user device and an intermediate communication device, an opticalsymbol sequence again can act as a proxy for detailed end user deviceidentifying information.

To begin process 600 illustrated in FIG. 6, an end user device 110initiates its broadcast of the end user device's availability forconnection (610). This can be done by broadcasting BLE advertisingpackets or the like that contain availability information includingdevice identifying data (e.g., a serial number, MAC address, and/orother alphanumeric characters, text, or the like that functions as anidentifier or the like from which optical symbol reference data can bederived and that corresponds to the optical symbol sequence displayed byEUD 110). Availability information broadcast by EUD 110 is received(615) by ICD 130 (e.g., if it is in BLE scanning mode). EUD 110 displays(620) an optical symbol sequence (e.g., an LED-illuminated colorsequence) that is similarly based on that device's identifying data.Display of the optical symbol sequence can be initiated once BLEadvertising commences or can be in response to a prompt (617) sent byICD 130 after it has received availability information that includes enduser device identifying data.

As seen in FIG. 4, the computing system 130 (ICD 130) also can includean optical data acquisition device 637 (e.g., a camera or other readerbuilt in or otherwise coupled to system 130). Optical data acquisitiondevice 637 can acquire optical symbol sequence image data (625) from animage of optical symbol sequence 122 being displayed on EUD 110 (e.g.,communication application 135 can instruct a user to point the camera637 at EUD 110 to acquire the optical symbol sequence image data).

Communication application 135 can display (e.g., on a display system 131of ICD 130) a replica of the optical symbol sequence displayed on EUD110 by processing the optical symbol sequence image data to deriveoptical symbol input data. A user can confirm a match by using an inputon GUI 133 (630), after which a connection is established (635) betweenEUD 110 and ICD 130. Alternatively, communication application 135 canperform the comparison (632) by comparing optical symbol reference dataobtained from availability information broadcast by EUD 110 with theoptical symbol reference data derived from the optical symbol sequenceimage data.

FIG. 7 illustrates a computing architecture 700 to implement thecommunication systems, devices, apparatus and processes in the Figuresand/or described herein (non-limiting examples of which include the enduser devices and intermediate communication devices). Computingarchitecture 700 is representative of a computing architecture that maybe employed in an intermediate communication device such as ICDs 130,150, or in any computing apparatus, system, or device, or collectionsthereof, to suitably implement one or more of the systems, devices,apparatus and processes in the Figures. Computing architecture 700comprises network communication interface 701, limited-rangecommunication interface 702, user interface 703, and processing system704. Processing system 704 is communicatively linked to communicationinterfaces 701, 702 and user interface 703. Processing system 704includes processing circuitry 705 and memory device 706 that storesoperating software 707 (including communication application 735).

Network communication interface 701 comprises components thatcommunicate over network and related communication links (e.g.,including those extending outside a communication node), such as networkcards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, orsome other communication devices. Network communication interface 701may be configured to communicate over metallic, wireless, or opticallinks. Network communication interface 701 also may be configured to useTDM, IP, Ethernet, optical networking, wireless protocols, communicationsignaling, or some other communication format—including combinationsthereof. Limited-range communication interface 702 comprises componentsthat communicate using a limited-range channel (e.g., Bluetooth lowenergy). User interface 703 comprises components that permit userinteraction with computing architecture 700. User interface 703 caninclude a touchscreen, keyboard, display screen, voice commandapparatus, mouse, touch pad, and/or other user input/output apparatus.

Processing circuitry 705 comprises microprocessor and other circuitrythat retrieves and executes operating software 707 from memory device706. Memory device 706 comprises a non-transitory storage medium, suchas a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, or some othermemory apparatus. Operating software 707 comprises computer programs,firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processinginstructions. Operating software 707 may include any number of softwaremodules to provide the communication operations described herein.Operating software 707 may further include an operating system,utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other typeof software. When executed by circuitry 705, operating software 707directs processing system 704 to operate computing architecture 700 asdescribed herein to provide one or more implementations of opticalsymbol sequence communication linking and other communications. Alsoconnected to the processing system 704 and interfaces 701, 702 in someimplementations are a display system 731 (which may be the same orincluded in the user interface 703) and an optical data acquisitiondevice 737 (e.g., a camera or other reader built in or otherwise coupledto system 704 that enables acquisition of image data and the like).Display system 731 and optical data acquisition device 737 can beconfigured to operate as herein described in connection with one or moreimplementations of optical symbol sequence communication linking.

In some implementations, each end user device can be implemented in ahalf-duplex type of operational mode. That is, a device in acommunication node linked to a communication group or the like cantransmit and receive, but cannot do both at the same time. A“push-to-talk” operational mode allows an end user to press a transmittoggle button or the like (e.g., by pushing and holding top cover 111 ofdevice 110 as depicted by arrow 126 in FIG. 2B) to initiate sending avoice communication to one or more users in the communication group.While the toggle is in its “transmit” position (e.g., with cover 111depressed), the end user device is configured to collect audio data fromthe user (e.g., recording voice communications). This can be done in avariety of ways. The collected audio data can be held in the end userdevice or in a linked intermediate communication device (e.g., asmartphone, cellphone, gaming device, tablet, or laptop). When thetoggle is switched back to its “receive” position, any collected audiodata is transmitted to the one or more communication group members. Thecollected audio data can be transmitted using any appropriatetransmission scheme. In one non-limiting example discussed below, audiodata collected by an end user device can be transmitted to its linkedintermediate communication device via one of the Bluetooth modes.Likewise, audio data collected by an intermediate communication devicecan be send over a broader network using any appropriate communicationprotocol or scheme.

In one implementation, a non-limiting example of which is illustrated inFIG. 8A, a communication node 804 includes an end user device 810 thathas a microphone 816 configured to collect audio data from a human user.As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the end user device 810 begins storing thecollected audio data in a memory location 884. This audio datacollection process continues until the a push-to-talk button on end userdevice 810 is released (i.e., the END signal in FIG. 8A). Someadditional processing 891 may be performed by end user device 810 beforethe collected audio data is transmitted at 842 to an intermediatecommunication device 830 that also is part of communication node 804.Again, some additional processing 835 may be performed by ICD 830 beforeit transmits at 844 the audio data to one or more additionalcommunication group members via communication network 840. In someimplementations, multiple members of a group can be collecting audiodata, though while an EUD 810 or the like is collecting such audio data(i.e., while the push-to-talk button is in its transmit position) theICD 830 and/or EUD 810 cannot play back audio data received from anotheruser.

In another non-limiting example shown in FIG. 8B, it is the intermediatecommunication device 830 that stores the collected audio data before itis transmitted via network 840. The end user device 810 may processaudio data collected from a user prior to transmission at 843 to the ICD830 (e.g., the collected audio data may be encrypted, buffered to permiterror correction, assembled into packets, etc.). The intermediatecommunication device 830 builds the audio data until the push-to-talkbutton on the EUD 810 is switched back to receive, at which point theICD 830 can transmit the collected audio data to network 840 and thus toone or more communication group members or the like.

The included descriptions and figures depict specific implementations toteach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best option. Forthe purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspectshave been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art willappreciate variations from these implementations that fall within thescope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will also appreciatethat the features described above can be combined in various ways toform multiple implementations. As a result, the invention is not limitedto the specific implementations described above, but only by the claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of establishing a communication connection between an end user device and a computing system, the method comprising the computing system: receiving end user device identifying data; deriving optical symbol reference data from the end user device identifying data; receiving optical symbol input data from a user interface; comparing the optical symbol input data to the optical symbol reference data; and initiating the communication connection with the end user device when the optical symbol input data matches the optical symbol reference data.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the end user device identifying data comprises at least one of the following: a serial number of the end user device; a MAC address of the end user device; an identifier of the end user device; or an alphanumeric character string identifier of the end user device.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface comprises a graphical user interface and at least one of the following: a touchscreen; a keypad; or voice command apparatus.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the optical symbol reference data corresponds to an optical symbol sequence displayed on the end user device, wherein the optical symbol sequence comprises a plurality of optical symbols displayed on the end user device.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the plurality of optical symbols displayed on the end user device comprises one of the following: a color sequence on a sticker applied to the end user device; a color sequence on a label applied to the end user device; a color sequence on a decal applied to the end user device; or a color sequence generated by a plurality of multi-color light-emitting diodes, wherein the end user device comprises the plurality of multi-color light-emitting diodes.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the computing system displaying optical symbol input points on a computing system display system, wherein each optical symbol input point comprises a selectable color image.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the communication connection comprises a Bluetooth low energy communication connection.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the computing system receiving a Bluetooth low energy advertising packet comprising the end user device identifying data.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the computing system comprises: a tablet; a gaming device; a smartphone; a laptop computer; or a cellphone.
 10. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having a communication application stored thereon, the communication application including instructions, which when executed by one or more processors of a communication device, cause the communication device to: receive a Bluetooth low energy advertising packet comprising end user device identifying data, wherein the end user device identifying data comprises at least one of the following: a serial number of the end user device; a MAC address of the end user device; an identifier of the end user device; or an alphanumeric character string identifier of the end user device; derive optical symbol reference data from the end user device identifying data; receive optical symbol input data from a user interface; compare the optical symbol input data to the optical symbol reference data; and initiate a Bluetooth low energy communication connection with the end user device when the optical symbol input data matches the optical symbol reference data.
 11. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the user interface comprises a graphical user interface and at least one of the following: a touchscreen; a keypad; or voice command apparatus.
 12. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10 wherein the optical symbol reference data corresponds to an optical symbol sequence displayed on the end user device, the optical symbol sequence comprising a plurality of optical symbols displayed on the end user device.
 13. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 12 wherein the plurality of optical symbols displayed on the end user device comprises one of the following: a color sequence on a sticker applied to the end user device; a color sequence on a label applied to the end user device; a color sequence on a decal applied to the end user device; or a color sequence generated by a plurality of multi-color light-emitting diodes, wherein the end user device comprises the plurality of multi-color light-emitting diodes.
 14. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors of the communication device, further cause the communication device to display optical symbol input points on a communication device display system.
 15. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors of the communication device, further cause the communication device to scan for Bluetooth low energy devices advertising availability.
 16. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 10 wherein the communication device comprises one of the following: a tablet; a gaming device; a smartphone; a laptop computer; or a cellphone.
 17. A communication system configured to facilitate secure communications between multiple nodes in a distributed communication environment, the communication system comprising: a communication device comprising: one or more processors; a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the communication device to: receive a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) advertising packet broadcast by an end user device, the BLE advertising packet comprising end user device identifying data, wherein the end user device identifying data comprises at least one of the following: a serial number of the end user device; a MAC address of the end user device; an identifier of the end user device; or an alphanumeric character string identifier of the end user device; derive optical symbol reference data from the end user device identifying data, wherein the optical symbol reference data corresponds to a color sequence generated by a plurality of multi-color light-emitting diodes, wherein the end user device comprises the plurality of multi-color light-emitting diodes; receive optical symbol input data from a user interface, wherein the user interface comprises at least one of the following: a touchscreen; a keypad; or voice command apparatus; compare the optical symbol input data to the optical symbol reference data; and initiate a Bluetooth low energy communication connection with the end user device when the optical symbol input data matches the optical symbol reference data.
 18. The communication system of claim 17 wherein the end user device comprises a wearable device configured to operate as a push-to-talk device and comprising a speaker and a microphone.
 19. The communication system of claim 17 wherein the communication device comprises one of the following: a tablet; a gaming device; a smartphone; a laptop computer; or a cellphone.
 20. The communication system of claim 17 wherein the user interface further comprises a display system configured to display optical symbol input points, wherein each optical symbol input point comprises a selectable color image. 